This week, the global cosmetics and personal care industry highlighted the growing convergence of financial performance, technology investment and health-led expansion, as listed groups, private equity firms and global brands navigated earnings momentum alongside regulatory, legal and strategic developments.

Earnings and financial updates dominated headlines across global beauty and consumer goods groups. Estée Lauder shares fell despite the company reporting an earnings beat and raising its outlook, while e.l.f. Beauty posted a blockbuster Q3 performance and lifted its full-year guidance. Cosnova Beauty reported accelerated global growth driven by brand momentum and skincare expansion. In India, Nykaa more than doubled Q3 profit as beauty demand remained resilient, while Gillette India reported a sharp profit increase on continued demand for grooming products. Kao reported FY2025 results and announced updates to its financial reporting framework. Church & Dwight also posted stronger-than-expected 2025 results and outlined growth plans for 2026.

Portfolio reshaping and M&A activity remained active across markets. Marubeni acquired Japanese skincare and cosmetics brand ETVOS, while Edgewell agreed to sell its Feminine Care business to Essity for US$340 million. Private equity interest continued to build around UK supplements group Vitabiotics, with multiple firms lining up for a potential acquisition. KKR prepared Wella Company for a potential US IPO, while Barry M sought a buyer as it moved toward administration.

Technology, AI and innovation investment continued to accelerate. Coty entered a strategic collaboration with OpenAI to expand enterprise AI use across its operations. Separately, Amazon was reported to be in talks to invest up to US$50 billion in OpenAI. In the startup ecosystem, Sparxell raised US$5 million in pre-Series A funding to scale plant-based colour technology, while Phia raised US$35 million in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered shopping platform.

Regulatory and legal developments remained in focus. Estée Lauder was fined US$750,000 in Canada over a PFAS-related cosmetics breach. In the US, a judge dismissed a fraud lawsuit tied to Johnson & Johnson’s use of bankruptcy proceedings in relation to talc litigation. In South Korea, Coupang’s CEO was questioned by police over an alleged data breach cover-up.

Health, fragrance and brand-led launches also featured this week. AstraZeneca signed a potential US$18.5 billion obesity drug deal with China’s CSPC Pharmaceutical Group. Interparfums secured a long-term global fragrance licence with David Beckham. Dove Men+Care launched mood-boosting aluminium-free deodorants developed with Nic Vansteenberghe.

Leadership changes and legacy transitions were also noted. Oriele Frank departed ELEMIS after 33 years, closing a long-standing chapter in the brand’s history.

E-commerce and marketplace dynamics remained under pressure in parts of the sector. Meesho reported a wider quarterly loss as marketing and expansion spending increased.

Taken together, this week reflected an industry balancing strong earnings momentum in parts of the market with ongoing portfolio reshaping, AI-driven investment and heightened regulatory and legal scrutiny. Activity remained concentrated around performance delivery, technology adoption and strategic repositioning across beauty, personal care and adjacent health categories.

The post Global Cosmetics News – Weekly Review | Week 5, January 2026 appeared first on Global Cosmetics News.